GWENT rugby is in crisis today as it reels from a series of potentially crushing body blows.

GWENT rugby is in crisis today as it reels from a series of potentially crushing body blows.

Newport's millionaire backer Tony Brown could be about to walk away from Rodney Parade, leaving the Black and Ambers and the Gwent Dragons regional team facing uncertain financial futures.

And Wales' Division One champions Pontypool could be on the brink of collapse with fears they will be unable to field a side next season because of cash problems.

Plus one of the country's most promising young players may turn his back on the Dragons and Welsh rugby by going to play in France.

Wales A No 8 Andrew Powell, who former Newport and South Africa coach Ian McIntosh insisted had the potential to shine at Test level, has been targeted by Beziers, who were in last season's Heineken Cup.

He has got two years left of his club deal with Newport and has been offered a regional contract by the Dragons but has yet to decide on his future.

There has already been a mini-exodus to France with former Wales outside-half Arwel Thomas and Wales A pair Matt James and Cerith Rees already having crossed the English Channel.

Former Aberavon, Neath, Swansea and Bridgend No 10 Rees led the way when he joined Grenoble, full-back, outside-half or centre James left Bridgend for Bourgoin at the end of last season while Thomas recently signed for Pau.

Brown, whose Newport revolution has cost him &#xA3;5m, is tomorrow due to announce whether he will remain involved in Welsh rugby.

The millionaire and Ebbw Vale chairman Marcus Russell have an equal stake in Gwent Rugby Limited, the company set up to run the East Wales regional team, but were unable to agree a name.

They asked the Welsh Rugby Union to arbitrate and it went for Gwent Dragons. Brown wanted Newport in the title and is understood to be close to withdrawing his backing.

Meanwhile, Pontypool coach Steve Jones has called for urgent action to prevent one of the most famous clubs in Welsh rugby from folding.

Moves are under-way to take the company currently running the club, Pontypool Premier Rugby Limited, into administration - putting off a winding-up order due to be heard in the High Court today.

Jones told a supporters' meeting the situation had to be resolved now otherwise they would not have a side capable of competing in next season's premiership.

"The longer we delay the less chance we have of saving the club," he said. "We desperately need a decision."